Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has issued 14 cease-and-desist letters to offshore casino and gaming sites operating illegally in the state.
The action announced on Wednesday relates to VG LuckyLand, Zula Casino, Fortune Coins, BetAnySports, BetUS, XBet, BetNow, BetWhale, EveryGame Sportsbook, BetOnline, Slotsandcasino, Bovada, MyBookie, and Sportsbetting.com.
All of these sites have previously received letters from the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, instructing them to either cease operations or modify their business practices to comply with Minnesota laws.
However, the division lacked the authority to issue cease-and-desist orders to the operators, limiting the effectiveness of its actions.
“Online platforms offering sportsbooks and casino games run by out-of-state and overseas operators may make it look as though online gambling is legal and safe in Minnesota, but let me be clear: it is not,” said Ellison. “Trying to rebrand poker chips as virtual currencies does not change the fact that these online gambling operations are unlawful. By continuing to operate online gambling sites in Minnesota, these operators are likely openly defying our State’s laws, and I will not stand for it.
“I want to thank Commissioner Jacobsen and the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Department of Public Safety for partnering with my office and me on this issue.”
Bob Jacobson, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, added: “Illegal online casinos and sweepstakes sites make big promises but deliver only risk to Minnesota consumers.
“Most are based outside the United States to avoid laws, regulation and enforcement measures. There’s no accountability, no protection for players and no way to know if the betting will be run fairly. Through our Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement division, we will work with the Attorney General to hold these operators accountable, protect Minnesotans and ensure the integrity of Minnesota’s gaming industry.”